The Head of the United Nations Youth Office and Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Dr Felipe Paullier, has described his visit to Sierra Leone as a recognition of the country’s leadership in advancing youth issues on the global stage.
Speaking during an interview with Truth Media on his first official visit to the country, Dr Paullier said the trip marked a significant moment, noting that it is the first time the newly established UN Youth Office has engaged at this level in Africa.
“This is a first-time event in West Africa since the UN Youth Office was established. It is a new office within a very large organisation,” he said.
He explained that the United Nations operates through its member states, stressing that government support is essential to advancing any global agenda.
“The UN is a very big organisation, and its centre is countries and governments. To push any agenda forward, you need the support of governments because decision-making is done by them,” Dr Paullier said.
He commended Sierra Leone for its consistent support for youth-related issues at the highest levels of the UN, including its participation in the UN Security Council.
“Sierra Leone has always been very supportive of youth issues at the United Nations, including during its participation at the Security Council. Visiting Sierra Leone is a recognition of that leadership at the global stage and its commitment to multilateralism, which is very important in these complex times,” he added.
Dr Paullier noted that the visit also provided an opportunity to better understand ongoing efforts within the country.
“It is also a chance for me to deepen my understanding of what is being done here to support the government on youth issues in a very youthful and dynamic country,” he said.
According to him, the visit was in response to an invitation from Sierra Leone’s Minister of Youth Affairs, which was extended during the United Nations General Assembly.
He further revealed that he held meetings with key government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Social Welfare, focusing on strengthening collaboration.
“Our discussions were about how the UN can better support the government on youth issues and also learn from what is being done here,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenges facing young people in the country, Dr Paullier expressed satisfaction with the government’s approach.
“I recognise the challenges the country is facing regarding youth issues, but I am pleased with how they are being handled, including the push for the Status of Youth Report,” he noted.
He also highlighted the importance of engaging directly with young people, describing it as one of the most impactful aspects of his visit.
“What I take most from this visit is the interaction with young people themselves,” he said.
About Dr Felipe Paullier
Dr Felipe Paullier is the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs at the United Nations and Head of the UN Youth Office. He is a medical doctor and public health specialist from Uruguay, with years of experience working on youth development, health, and policy. Before joining the United Nations, he served in senior roles in government, including as Director of the National Youth Institute in Uruguay. He has also been involved in global youth advocacy and policy work, focusing on empowering young people and strengthening their participation in decision-making processes.
